Health Technician (Telemetry Monitor Technician) - Veterans Affairs, Veterans Health Administration

Summary This position is located at the Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital, Hines, IL (578) - a Level la Complexity VHA Facility - and is organizationally aligned under the Telemetry Unit in the Nursing & Patient Care Service. The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a non-licensed member of the nursing care team providing continuous observation of telemetry monitoring electrocardiographic (EKG) rhythms of critically ill patients. Responsibilities The primary purpose of this position is to serve as a non-licensed member of the nursing care team providing continuous observation of telemetry monitoring electrocardiographic (EKG) rhythms of critically ill patients. Continuously monitors EKGs of patients on telemetry at Central Station sites. The stations accommodate up to 35 monitors, any number of which may be in use at a given time. The patients are critically ill, have a variety of conditions, and may have multiple conditions simultaneously, which can affect the readings reflected on the monitors. The incumbent identifies irregularities from expected and acceptable readings and takes appropriate action to include trouble-shooting machines, checking electrode attachments, contacting medical personnel, calling a code, etc. While patients are being monitored, obtains EKG rhythm strips at the beginning of each shift and with any rhythm change. Measures and records PR, QT and QRS intervals, interpretation, and rhythm changes and documents in medical record. Verifies alarm settings every four (4) hours and performs alarm parameter adjustments in collaboration with registered nurse. Documents changes in patients' heart rhythm/rate in medical record. Identifies and selects the appropriate EKG strips to be included in the medical record when monitoring has been done over a long period and the records are too large to include all of them. Admits and discharges patients from central monitoring. Explains procedure to patients. Provides telemetry monitor, identifies proper lead placement, and attaches electrodes upon admission. Documents EKG intervals and interpretation in medical record. Determines alarm parameters with registered nurse and sets alarms. Upon discharge, cleans telemetry monitor/leads and places in appropriate storage area. Maintains telemetry equipment and supplies. Inspects equipment for malfunction, troubleshoots equipment failures, and notifies bio-med engineering when repairs are needed. Maintains equipment service logs and missing equipment logs. Tracks and retrieves missing equipment. Orders supplies, i.e., electrodes, paper, batteries, at least weekly or as needed. Initiates CPR code when indicated. Assists in CPR resuscitation, cardioversion, reprogramming of pacemakers, and other procedures and therapies by running EKG strips and documenting rhythm changes. Applies principles of infection control in all areas of responsibility. Orients new personnel, residents and trainees to the operation of the telemetry monitoring system, as well as, reading rhythms. Works cooperatively with others to provide continuous, safe, quality care and meet changing work demands. Assists co-workers in need. Communicates, listens and responds to others appropriately. Participates in performance improvement monitoring. Communication and interpersonal relations, including the ability to appropriately and courteously relate to internal and external customers. Maintenance of confidentiality of patient/incumbent information, electronic and print. Performs other duties as assigned Work Schedule: Multiple work schedule 0730-800pm or 1130am to 1200am including weekends/holidays Telework: Not Suitable Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Health Technician (Telemetry Monitor Technician)/PD05001A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Requirements Conditions of Employment You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job All applicants tentatively selected for VA employment in a testing designated position are subject to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment. Applicants who refuse to be tested will be denied employment with VA. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 You may be required to serve a probationary period Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) Participation in the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination program is a requirement for all Veterans Health Administration Health Care Personnel (HCP) - See "Additional Information" below for details. Qualifications To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 10/17/2024. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-6 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-5. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. You may qualify based on your experience and/or education as described below: You will be rated on the following Competencies for this position: Medical Information Organizational Awareness Patient Care Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-5 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to:1) Assisting RN with patient care as directed.2) Providing direct patient observation.3) Assisting with transfer and ambulation of patients.4) Answering call lights and if unable to independently assist, communicates patients' needs to assigned RN or Charge Nurse5) Measuring and recording blood pressure, respirations, oral and axillary temperature, weight, and pulse. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religions; spiritual; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week. Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment. Physical Requirements: The work requires the ability to focus on continuous observation of numerous screens representing patients' EKG activity. The employee must be alert at all times and quick to respond to alarms or signs of EKG changes. This involves good visual acuity necessary to see EKG rhythms, ability to hear alarms, and rapid changes in position and movement. In addition, sitting, standing, walking, and carrying light instruments and supplies is involved. Work Environment: Continuous EKG monitoring is performed in a central workstation shared by other health care providers involving everyday risks and requiring normal safety precautions, Application and adjustment of monitor leads is performed at the patient bedside. Here the employee is exposed to potential/actual infectious diseases, which may require the wearing of protective gowns, masks, and gloves when interacting with patients. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/. Education There is no educational substitution at this grade level. Additional Information This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional vacancies. Pursuant to VHA Directive 1193.01, VHA health care personnel (HCP) are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 subject to such accommodations as required by law (i.e., medical, religious or pregnancy). VHA HCPs do not include remote workers who only infrequently enter VHA locations. If selected, you will be required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and submit documentation of proof of vaccination before your start date. The agency will provide additional information regarding what information or documentation will be needed and how you can request a legally required accommodation from this requirement using the reasonable accommodation process. If you are unable to apply online or need an alternate method to submit documents, please reach out to the Agency Contact listed in this Job Opportunity Announcement. Under the Fair Chance to Compete Act, the Department of Veterans Affairs prohibits requesting an applicant's criminal history prior to accepting a tentative job offer. For more information about the Act and the complaint process, visit Human Resources and Administration/Operations, Security, and Preparedness (HRA/OSP) at The Fair Chance Act.